So I tried with the resistor but with no luck.
edit1:
The weirdest thing just happened. I plugged it into the computer but changed the jumper to external. Also plugged in the battery. And it works, with head and everything.
Then I unplugged the computer and it still ran! But when I unplugged the battery and then plugged in the battery again nothing happens. Tried the computer method again, works like a charm.
It's like I have to jump start it with the computer
Any ideas?
This is what the 10K resistor between RX and ground fixes. Without it the chip is never getting past the bootloader due to noise on the line. Are you sure you had the resistor in place correctly and it was making contact?